A JKA karate black belt, Shey Mael has been introduced as a Signature Model for Associated News. He is also being developed as a model of JKA Philippines, positioning him among the emerging Filipino personalities who unite athletic discipline, personal style and inspiring character.

Shey was discovered during the 3rd JKA Philippines International Gasshuku and Karate-Do Championship in Davao City, where his quiet confidence, commanding presence, and dedication to karate set him apart from the crowd.

“Shey possesses something that cannot easily be manufactured—an authentic presence,” Noubikko said. “He does not need to demand attention. His discipline, humility, and natural appeal allow people to notice him.”

A Black Belt Beyond the Uniform

For Shey Mael, wearing a black belt represents far more than physical ability. It reflects patience, sacrifice, self-control and the determination to continue improving even when no audience is watching.

These values will define his work as a Philippines Brand Ambassador. In his new role, Shey is expected to help introduce traditional karate to a broader generation while representing the organization’s principles of respect, discipline and excellence.

His journey also carries a message for young Filipinos: true confidence does not begin with popularity. It is built slowly through preparation, humility and perseverance.

A New Face for the Media

As a Noubikko signature model, Shey is expected to appear in future promotional campaigns distributed through publications belonging to the Associated News Agency Network.

His development will form part of a year-long image-building and promotional program designed to transform natural potential into a recognizable professional identity. The program may include modeling preparation, media appearances, personal branding, communication development and acting workshops.

The goal is not simply to introduce another handsome face. It is to develop a personality whose public image is supported by discipline, credibility and a meaningful personal story.

Preparing for the Screen

Shey Mael is also expected to undergo acting training as part of plans to bring selected stories about JKA heroes, competitors and respected karate masters to the screen.

His authentic martial-arts background gives him an important advantage. Unlike performers who must learn karate only for a role, Shey already understands its movements, traditions and philosophy.

This combination of genuine karate experience and future dramatic training could prepare him for action-oriented roles grounded in realism rather than spectacle alone.

Noubikko and its media partners will also explore sponsorship opportunities to support Shey’s professional development, promotional appearances and possible participation in future film and advertising projects.

Eyes on Japan

The opportunity represents another important chapter in his journey—from being discovered at a major tournament in Davao to potentially representing Filipino discipline and determination before an international audience.

His story is only beginning, but its direction is already clear. Shey Mael is not leaving karate behind as he enters modeling and entertainment—he is bringing its discipline with him.

And that may prove to be his greatest strength.

De Guzman has been selected as an official JKA Philippines Brand Ambassador, giving the promising athlete a new responsibility: to represent the discipline, respect, humility and strength of character promoted by traditional Japanese karate.

Currently a 1st kyu brown belt, De Guzman trains at JKA Lipa, an affiliate of JKA Philippines. Although he is still a student, he has already won gold medals in several tournaments and is steadily working toward an even greater dream—to compete internationally and carry the Philippine flag at the JKA World Cup in Japan.

“Every medal represents the hours of training, discipline, sacrifice and determination that people do not always see,” De Guzman said.

A Mother’s Influence Begins the Journey

Behind De Guzman’s growing success is a familiar Filipino story: a young person encouraged by the love and guidance of his family.

His mother, who also practiced karate when she was younger, introduced him to the martial art when he was nine years old. What began as a new activity soon developed into a serious commitment.

“I wanted to become physically stronger, develop discipline and eventually compete in tournaments through honest effort, hard work and integrity,” he recalled.

His parents remain the most influential people in his life, supporting him as he manages the responsibilities of school, training and competition.

“I most want to make my parents proud because they have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey,” he said. “Their sacrifices and belief in me motivate me to train harder and become a better karate practitioner and person.”

For Filipino families raising children in a world filled with distractions and pressure, De Guzman’s journey demonstrates how sports and martial arts can give young people direction, confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.

Learning Not to Give Up

Under the guidance of Sensei Kim Masayuki Torres, De Guzman has learned that karate is not only about speed, strength or winning medals. It is also about remaining committed when progress becomes slow and training becomes difficult.

Some of his most memorable experiences happened during exhausting training sessions when he had to decide whether to stop or continue.

“Those moments taught me that improvement often begins exactly when you feel like stopping,” he said.

Like many Filipino students involved in competitive sports, De Guzman sometimes finds it challenging to balance his homework and academic obligations with regular karate training.

“There were times when I felt discouraged because balancing karate with schoolwork became difficult,” he admitted. “I continued by remembering why I started and reminding myself that giving up would take me farther away from my goals.”

Karate has helped him become physically stronger while also developing his patience, concentration, confidence and emotional resilience.

Courage to Face Stronger Opponents

De Guzman especially enjoys kumite, the sparring component of karate. Rather than feeling intimidated by stronger or more experienced opponents, he sees every difficult match as an opportunity to learn.

“Competing against stronger karate practitioners challenges me to study their techniques, recognize my weaknesses and improve,” he explained.

His favorite technique is the spinning hook kick, which requires speed, accuracy, timing and control. He believes the technique reflects his own personality—determined, willing to take risks and prepared to practice repeatedly until he gets something right.

Defeat, he added, should never be treated as the end of the journey.

“Losing reveals what I need to improve,” he said. “It motivates me to train harder and gives me an opportunity to return stronger and better prepared.”

Carrying the JKA Philippines Emblem

De Guzman said he was surprised when he first learned that he had been selected as a JKA Philippines Brand Ambassador.

“When I understood what the role meant, I felt incredibly happy, grateful and honored,” he shared.

The recognition, however, comes with a responsibility that extends beyond photographs, interviews and public appearances. As one of the organization’s emerging public faces, De Guzman understands that his conduct may influence how other people view JKA Philippines and karate itself.

“People may judge the organization through my behavior,” he said. “I must conduct myself properly, remain humble and set a positive example wherever I go.”

Inside the dojo, he intends to train seriously, observe proper etiquette and respect his instructors and fellow karate practitioners. Outside it, he hopes to live by the same principles and become a responsible example for other Filipino youths.

“When I wear the JKA emblem, I represent JKA Philippines and the values of discipline, respect, humility and dedication,” he said.

Karate Against Bullying

De Guzman also wants young Filipinos to understand that karate should never be used to frighten, dominate or hurt other people.

Proper training, he explained, teaches students to control their strength and use their skills responsibly. In this way, karate can discourage bullying by developing respect, patience, confidence and self-control.

“Karate is not simply about fighting,” he said. “It is about discipline, respect, self-control and becoming a better version of yourself.”

He believes that true strength is not measured solely by physical power.

“True strength begins when you learn to control yourself, confront your fears and continue moving forward,” he added.

An Inspiration to Filipino Youth

As a Brand Ambassador, De Guzman particularly hopes to inspire young people who think they are too shy, weak or inexperienced to enter a dojo.

“Everyone begins somewhere,” he said. “You do not need to be strong, confident or experienced on your first day. You only need the courage to begin and the willingness to learn, practice and improve.”

His message is especially meaningful for young Filipinos who may be afraid to try something because they fear failure or believe they are not naturally talented.

For De Guzman, talent alone is never enough. Lasting progress comes from discipline—the decision to keep working even when nobody is watching and no reward is guaranteed.

“A medal is a meaningful achievement, but character stays with you throughout your life,” he said. “It influences how you treat people, respond to difficulties and use your success.”

A Filipino Dream Bound for Japan

De Guzman now has his sights set on competing at the JKA World Cup in Japan, where he hopes to represent the Philippines with pride, humility and honor.

He believes Filipino resilience, determination, respect for others and strong family values naturally complement the traditions of JKA karate.

For this young Batangueño, representing the Philippines would mean more than entering an international tournament. It would be an opportunity to demonstrate what disciplined Filipino athletes can accomplish when supported by their families, mentors and communities.

His journey from a nine-year-old beginner to a medal-winning athlete and JKA Philippines Brand Ambassador is only beginning. Yet the personal motto that guides him already carries a message capable of inspiring an entire generation:

“Keep improving and never give up.”

For Chris De Guzman, these are not merely words for a poster. They are a Filipino athlete’s promise—to his parents, his dojo and the country he dreams of representing on the world stage.

 by Miss Pauline